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The Skytrans Cairns Taipans today announced the signing of Australian forward Mitchell Young from Saint Mary’s College to a two-year deal.

Young, 22, is a former Brisbane junior and played four years for the Saint Mary’s Gaels alongside 2012 Olympian Matthew Dellavedova and current Taipan Clint Steindl.

He started all 35 games for the Gaels’ 2012-13 campaign, averaging 7.7 points and 5.6 rebounds, and on Saturday was named to the 17-man Australian Boomers squad for the Sino-Australian series in June.

Taipans head coach, Aaron Fearne, said Young’s signing marked a significant acquisition as the club strengthens its roster for the 2013/14 season and beyond.

“It was a tough process for Mitch, as he did have a lot of NBL teams show interest, but he feels that at this stage of his career this is the best opportunity for him and I’m confident we can help develop his game even further.”

Fearne said Young’s experience in a successful Saint Mary’s program combined with his work ethic and ability to finish under the basket made him an exciting prospect.

“Mitch has been a very important part of the Saint Mary’s rotation for a number of years now in a winning culture,” he said. “He finishes in the paint well, he seals up hard and has a nice post game with his right and left hand.

“I like his size, I like his athleticism and I like his length; he’s also a hard worker which suits our culture. I’m definitely excited that he’s going to be a part of the programme.”

Young said it was the culture of the Taipans team and organisation which enticed him into making Cairns his first professional club.

“I wanted to go to a team that had a culture of hard-working guys that know what it takes to be successful,” Young said.

Young said he hoped to further bolster the team’s big man stocks, while continuing to develop his own game.

“Coach Fearne explained how he thought I could help the team, and areas he thought I needed to improve on my game to have success in the NBL,” he said.

“I have heard a lot of great things about ‘Trig’ [Cameron Tragardh] and Alex [Loughton] … knowing a little bit about their background and experience I know they will be great for my development.

“Hopefully with all three of us on the same team we will prove provide coach Fearne with a versatile front line.”